Colombia Returns to the World Cup Stage, Defeats Uzbekistan 3-1 in Opening Match

2026 World Cup Key News

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(CNA Reporter Chen Jung-chen, Taipei, 18th) In their opening Group K match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup today, Colombia faced Uzbekistan and secured a 3-1 victory, thanks to a winning goal by star player Luis Diaz. This allowed them to claim their first win upon returning to the World Cup stage.

Colombia, a traditional South American powerhouse that has previously reached the World Cup quarterfinals, has successfully bounced back for this tournament after the frustration of failing to qualify for the main stage in the previous edition. Placed in Group K alongside Portugal, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Uzbekistan, they are favored to pass the group stage test and advance to the Round of 32 knockout phase.

Colombia played their opening group stage match in Mexico today, squaring off against Asian representative Uzbekistan, who are making their first appearance on the World Cup stage. After several attacks were thwarted by the opposition, Colombia finally found an opportunity in the 40th minute. Daniel Munoz received a pass from teammate Luis Diaz and flicked the ball into the net, opening the scoring for Colombia and taking the lead into halftime.

However, Uzbekistan launched a counterattack in the 60th minute of the second half. Taking advantage of a flawed save by the Colombian goalkeeper, Abbosbek Fayzullaev capitalized with a crucial shot in front of the goal. This not only leveled the score for Uzbekistan but also marked the team's first-ever World Cup goal in history.

After being equalized, Colombia immediately ramped up their offensive pressure. Star player Luis Diaz executed a brilliant shot in the 65th minute. Although the Uzbekistan goalkeeper attempted an initial block, the ball still found the back of the net. Coupled with a stoppage-time header from Jaminton Campaz, Colombia ultimately won the match 3-1, securing a victorious start to their World Cup campaign. (Editor: Lin Shu-hui) 1150618

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